Effect of a Virtual Game,

Abstract

Specific Aims: To determine the effects of playing a virtual game, “Name That Band,” on St. Luke’s Home elders’ and the University of Arizona (UA) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students’ feelings of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. To compare elders’ and PharmD students’ feelings of social isolation and loneliness pre-pandemic and before and after playing the game together and to assess which factors of the game make them feel more socially engaged. Methods: Questionnaires were administered before and after a virtual game to residents at St. Luke’s Home and PharmD students at the UA R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. Participants were asked about their mood before COVID-19 and pre- and post-game, as well as their social interactions and feelings of loneliness using the Modified UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale, which assesses a composite score of lack of companionship, feelings of being left out, and isolation. Results: Fifteen elders and eleven students participated in the game (n=26). All participants completed the pre-game survey and 25 completed the post-game survey. The elders reported a decreased total UCLA Loneliness Scale score post-game compared to pre-game (p=0.020). The students reported an increased total UCLA Loneliness Scale score during the pandemic than before COVID-19 (p=0.017). More elders and students felt ‘happy’ post-game compared with before the pandemic and pre-game. Playing a virtual game together helped elders and students feel more socially engaged. Conclusions: Virtual game social interventions decreased feelings of isolation and increased engagement for older adults and PharmD students during the COVID-19 pandemic.